Migraine headaches are a debilitating neurological condition that affects millions of people worldwide.

While severe headaches are the most common symptom, there are several subtle signs that individuals often ignore or fail to recognize as potential indicators of a migraine attack. In this article, we will explore 30 of these subtle signs that you might be ignoring, as well as their implications.

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1. Aura

One of the most well-known subtle signs of an impending migraine attack is the occurrence of an aura. Auras are usually visual disturbances that can include flashes of light, blind spots, or zigzag lines in the field of vision.

They occur as a warning sign before the headache phase of a migraine, giving individuals a chance to take proactive measures to manage their condition.

2. Sensitivity to Light

Many migraine sufferers experience a heightened sensitivity to light, known as photophobia, during an attack. This sensitivity can cause discomfort and pain in the eyes when exposed to bright lights or sunlight.

3. Sensitivity to Sound

Similar to sensitivity to light, individuals with migraines may also become highly sensitive to sound or phonophobia. Common sounds like ringing phones, loud conversations, or even everyday noises become intolerable during an attack.

4. Nausea and Vomiting

Migraines often trigger an upset stomach, resulting in nausea and, in some cases, vomiting. This gastrointestinal symptom is more common in individuals who have a family history of migraines.

5. Dizziness

Feeling dizzy or experiencing vertigo can be a subtle sign of an impending migraine attack. The spinning sensation, unsteadiness, or loss of balance can last for a few minutes to several hours and may or may not be accompanied by a headache.

6. Sensitivity to Smell

During a migraine attack, individuals may have an increased sensitivity to certain smells, such as perfumes, smoke, chemicals, or even strong odors from food. This hypersensitivity to smell, known as osmophobia, can trigger or worsen a migraine.

7. Changes in Appetite

Migraines can affect an individual’s appetite, causing them to either lose interest in food or experience intense cravings.

Some people may also find certain foods triggering their migraines, leading them to avoid specific ingredients or food groups.

8. Neck Pain

Before or during a migraine attack, some individuals may experience neck pain or stiffness. This discomfort can radiate from the neck to the head, intensifying the headache symptoms.

9. Cognitive Impairment

Migraine attacks can impair cognitive function, making it difficult to concentrate, think clearly, or remember details. This cognitive fog or “brain fog” is a commonly observed subtle sign that often goes unnoticed.

10. Emotional Changes

Mood swings and emotional changes, such as irritability, anxiety, or depression, can occur before or during a migraine attack.

These emotional symptoms may be precursors or consequences of the neurological changes happening in the brain during a migraine.

11. Fatigue

Feeling excessively tired or experiencing a significant drop in energy levels can indicate an upcoming migraine attack. Fatigue may persist even after the headache phase has passed, prolonging the overall duration of the condition.

12. Increased Urination

Some individuals may notice an increase in urinary frequency or urgency before a migraine attack. This subtle sign may be associated with hormonal changes or the body’s response to pain and inflammation.

13. Stiff Jaws

Unintentional jaw clenching or teeth grinding, known as bruxism, can occur during a migraine attack. This can lead to jaw pain, headaches, and muscle tension, further aggravating the symptoms of the migraine.

14. Changes in Vision

Migraines can cause various changes in vision aside from auras. These changes can include blurred vision, tunnel vision, or seeing shimmering or sparkling lights.

It is essential to pay attention to such visual alterations as they can help predict or diagnose migraines.

15. Increased Thirst

Excessive thirst or dehydration can be a subtle sign of an impending migraine attack. Staying adequately hydrated during the prodromal phase may help reduce the intensity and duration of the headache.

16. Numbness or Tingling

Some individuals may experience numbness or tingling sensations, commonly known as “pins and needles,” before or during a migraine attack.

This can occur in various parts of the body, including the face, arms, or legs, and is usually temporary.

17. Crying Spells

Unexplained bouts of crying or feeling overwhelmed with emotions can be indicative of an upcoming migraine attack. These emotional outbursts may accompany or precede the headache phase of the migraine.

18. Yawning

In the hours leading up to a migraine attack, uncontrollable yawning may occur. While yawning is a natural bodily function, its tendency to increase before a migraine suggests a neurological association.

19. Increased Sensitivity to Touch

During a migraine attack, some individuals may experience heightened sensitivity to touch, known as allodynia. Normal gentle touch or pressure can become painful or uncomfortable in specific areas of the body.

20. Sleep Disturbances

Migraines and sleep disturbances often go hand in hand. It is not uncommon for individuals to experience insomnia, restless sleep, vivid dreams, or excessive sleepiness during the prodromal or postdromal phase of the migraine.

21. Watery Eyes

Excessive tearing of the eyes, known as tearing or lacrimation, is a subtle sign of a migraine attack. The eyes may become watery, red, or irritated, further contributing to the discomfort experienced during an episode.

22. Nasal Congestion

Some migraine sufferers may experience nasal congestion or a runny nose in the days or hours leading up to a migraine attack.

This congestion can be mistaken for a regular common cold symptom, making it important to recognize its association with migraines.

23. Increased Anxiety

Anxiety levels may rise before or during a migraine attack, potentially exacerbating the headache and other symptoms. Identifying and managing anxiety as a subtle sign of migraines can contribute to more effective overall management of the condition.

24. Lightheadedness

Feeling lightheaded or experiencing a sense of impending fainting can be a subtle sign of migraine. This symptom may be accompanied by temporary vision changes or aura, making it crucial to pay attention to these warning signs.

25. Difficulty Speaking

Some individuals may find it challenging to find the right words or experience slurred speech during a migraine attack. This speech difficulty, also known as aphasia, can be transient but significant during the headache phase.

26. Cold Hands and Feet

Peripheral vasoconstriction, leading to cold hands and feet, is a physiological response that may occur before or during a migraine attack. This symptom can contribute to overall discomfort during an episode.

27. Feeling Cold or Shivering

Contrary to the peripheral vasoconstriction causing cold hands and feet, some individuals may experience a feeling of being cold or shivering during a migraine attack.

This sensation is unrelated to room temperature and is attributed to the physiological changes happening within the body during an attack.

28. Frequent Urination

Increased urinary urgency or frequency may occur during the prodromal phase of a migraine attack. This symptom can be attributed to changes in the autonomic nervous system or increased fluid intake due to thirst.

29. Intense Food Cravings

While changes in appetite were briefly mentioned earlier, intense food cravings for specific types of food, such as chocolate, carbohydrates, or salty snacks, can be a subtle sign of an impending migraine attack.

These cravings often occur during the prodromal phase.

30. Changes in Sense of Taste

Migraines can affect the sense of taste, leading to alterations in how food and beverages taste. Some individuals may experience a metallic or bitter taste before or during a migraine attack, which can significantly impact their enjoyment of meals.

Conclusion

Migraine headaches are complex neurological conditions that extend beyond severe head pain. Recognizing the subtle signs discussed in this article is crucial in understanding and managing migraines effectively.

By paying attention to these often-ignored indications, individuals can enhance their quality of life and seek appropriate medical interventions to prevent and treat migraines.